What to do if I was given a citation for theft under $300 but I wasn’t taken downtown?
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What to do if I was given a citation for theft under $300 but I wasn’t taken downtown?
I have a court date and I already told the officer that I did intend on stealing the merchandise. It was a stupid mistake led by poor judgement due to my fianancial hardship at the moment, it just all got to my head. I have never been arrested or in trouble before. I’m a full-time college student who graduated high school in the top of the class. What can I do for getting this not put on my record, not getting jail time and just getting the matter eliminated? I’m only 19 and I’m terrified. I cooperated with the police and told the honest truth.
Asked on August 27, 2013 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
Maury Beaulier / MinnesotaLawyers.com
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
A theft offense can be very serious. While any theft under $500 is a misdemeanor. Such an offense is still punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. The collateral consequences of a conviction can also be extremely significant and preclude a person from finding employment where background checks are performed.
Often, if you have no prior offenses, a conviction can be avoided with a Stay of Prosecution. A Stay of Prosecution means that the offense is never recorded on your record and stayed for a certain periofd of time to ensure that you do not have another offense.
We can assist you in making sure that your record is not affected.
For a FREE consultation call 612.240.8005.
Maury D. Beaulier
Attorney at Law
(612) 240-8005
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